Communications equipment



Fels- 1946.

- W. E. -GILMAN coMMuNICAI'IoNsv EQUIPMENT Filed Nov. 13, 1943 Patented Feb. 5, 1946 2,394,374 COMll/IUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT Webster E. Gilman, River Forest, Ill., assignor to Permoilux Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application November 13, 1943, Serial No. 510,113

19 Claims.

This invention relates to communications equipment and more particularly to headbands of the character which are used to support earphones or the like sound reproducing means in the desired sound transmitting relationship to the ears of the user.

Such headbands conventionally include a clamping portion made from one or more spring steel bands which may engage or extend across the top of the users head and extend downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head, and at the opposite or lower ends of the clamping portion, a pair of mounting clips are adjustably supported so that earphones carried by such mounting clips may be properly positioned and pressed into the desired sound transmitting relationship to the ears of the user. In many instances, a resilient sealing means may be carried on the earphones so as to engage the side surfaces of the head about `the ears, thereby to cushion the pressure applied by the headbands and, at the same time, seal out extraneous noises. Such conventional headbands also have included a protecting sheath of resilient padding material such as canvas, leather, or a combination thereof, which surrounds the principal portions of the steel spring members, and such a protecting sheath is often utilized to protect and position the wires which extend along the spring members for connection with the earphones carried by the clips at the opposite ends o i the headband. In accomplishing such positioning and mounting of the wires or connecting leads, such leads are usually disposed inside of the protective sheath before the sheath is sewn in position about the springs, and at the ends of the sheath, such leads are secured to mounting brackets which form part of the connection between the spring steel members and the mounting clips. n

Headbands of the aforesaid character are subjected to extremely hard wear, and to Widely varying conditions of use, so that in practice, it has been found that the fabric or leather sheath, and the connecting leads, deteriorate because of wear, rotting, or the action of mildew or the like, or become unuseable for other reasons such as the presence of excessive grease or dirt thereon. When this condition occurs in headbandsof the construction heretofore'employed, it is necessary to return such headbands tora repair shop so that they may be rebuilt or cleaned, and under many circumstances it has been found that such headbands are often discarded because oflthe diiculty of such cleaning or repair. In View of the foregoinggit is an important object of this invention to enable headbands to be readily reconditioned and repaired, and an object related to the foregoing is to so relate the protective sheath and the wires or leads to the other elements of such a headband that these elements may be readily removed and replaced when cleaning or repair is required.

In prior headbands of the aforesaid character, it'has been customary to provide for limited adjusting movement of the mounting clips with relation to other parts of the headband, thereby to enable the earphones carried in such mounting clips to be properly adjusted to the particular conguration of the users head. In attaining such relative adjusting movement of the mounting clips in prior headbands it has been customary to utilize a relatively complicated form and relationship oi parts, and it is, therefore, a further object of the present invention to simplify the construction of such headbands and to enable such relative adjusting movement of the mounting clips to be attained through use of relatively simple and inexpensive structure. An object relating to the foregoing is to so associate the mounting clips with the end brackets of a headband that such clips may move through the desired adjusting movements and may also be readily removed and replaced.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims andare illustrated in the accompanying drawing which, by .way of illustration, shows a preferred embodiment and the principle thereof and what I now consider to be the best mode in which I have contemplated applying that principle. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principle may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention and the purview of the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a headband embodying the features of the. invention and having a pair of earphones mounted thereon;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the headband, the view being taken from the line 2-2 in Fig- 1; l

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 4 4 of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. 3 and illustrating the manner in which the wire-retaining clips are released for mounting or removal o! the connecting leads;

Fig. 6 is a view generally similar to Fig. 5 and showing the manner in which rocking movement of the clips is limited;

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 1-1 of Fig. 1 and illustrating the manner in which the protective sheath is removably associated With the spring members and the connecting leads of the-headset; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view taken from the;

line 3-8 of Fig. 1 and illustrating the form of the retaining spring used on that side of the headband.

For purposes of disclosure, the present invention is illustrated as embodied in a headband IIJ adapted for supporting earphones I I of a particular size and construction, but it will be recognized that the headband of the present invention may be utilized for supporting many diierent sizes and types of earphones. Theheadband I [I includes aclamping portion I2 and at the opposite ends of the .clamping portion I2 similar mounting brackets I3 are secured. The mounting bracketsy I3 serve to support the mounting clips I4 each which includes a yoke I 5v for engagement with an earphone II of the kind which is to be supported at each end of the headband. Each yoke I5 has aligned pivot pins ISA at their lower ends for engagement with appropriate sockets in the sides of the earphones I I, and the yokes I5 are mounted at the lower ends of adjusting or mounting stems I6 which are mount ed on the respective brackets I3 for limited lon-A gitudinal adjustment and for limited rotational adjustment. i

In the form herein shown the clamping portion I2 of the headband I0 is afforded by a pair of relatively thin and narrow members 20 formed from spring steel in such a manner as to tend to move the ends thereof toward each other with a clamping action, these spring members 20 being connected at their opposite ends to the mounting 'brackets I3. In the present instance this connection between the spring members 26 and the mounting brackets I3 is of a permanent character. Thus, as shoWn in Figs. 2 and 4 of the drawing, the two mounting brackets I3 are similarly formed rfrom sheet metal to afford a flat body portion having connecting ears 22 extended upwardly from the upper edge thereof and in spaced relation, and one of the spring members 20 is connected to each of these ears 22.v In vthe present instance, such a connection for each of the spring members '20 includes a pair of spaced rivets 23 extended through the spring member 20 and the mounting ear 22 with which this particular spring member is to be associated. The connections between the spring members 20 and each mounting bracket I3 is such that the two spring members 2l! extend at an angle to each other as best shown in Fig, 2 of the drawing, this relationship being desirable in order that the relatively broad segmental contact area may be afforded near the upper or midpoint of the clamping portion I2. In view of the fact that the midportions of the band or clamping portion I2 are normally in contact with the top of the head of the user, means are pro vided which act as a protecting cover for such portions of the bands or spring members 26, and in accordance withthe present invention, such protecting means are afforded by a sheath 25 which completely encloses the intermediate portions of the spring members 20 and affords a yment of this result, the sheath 25, a5 herein shown, is formed of several pieces of material which are secured together in such a relationship that they may readily be placed in position about the intermediate portions of the two spring members 2D. Thus, with specific reference to Fig. 7 of the drawing, the sheath 25 has an inner member 26 of such a segmental shape as to conform. generally with the area defined between the outer or remote edges of the two spring members 20, and this member 26 may be made of any desired material suoh as fabric or leather, and in the present case, the member 26 is indicated as being made of leather. A similar member 21 is formed of fabric and is located on the upper surface of the member 26, these two members 26 and 21 being sewed together as at 26 along the medial line thereof. The width of the members 26 and 21 is preferably such that these two members extend for a short distance beyond the outer edges of the spring members 20, and means are provided in association with the edges oi the members 26 and 21 for covering the outer surface of the spring members 26, thereby to enclose the major portions of these spring members. Thus, as shown in Fig. 7 of the drawing, an edge flap 29 is provided for each edge of the members 26 and 21. In the present case, one edge 30 of each edge iiap 29 is inserted between the border portions of the two members 26 and 21 and is sewed in position by a line of stitching 3I which extends through the members 26, 30, and 21. Thus, the edge ilap 29 may be folded into position over the adjacent one of the spring members 26 and may be secured to the central portions of the member 21 so as to be heldin place on and about the spring member 20. In the present instance, the flaps 29 are secured in place by releasable means such as snap fasteners, the button members 32 of which are secured to the member 21'a11d the ring or snap elements 33 of which are secured on the related edge ilaps 29. It will be observed that the button members 32 of the snap fasteners are secured only to the fabric 21 so that the inner or lower member 26 of the sheath 25 presents a smooth lower surface for contact with the head of the user.

In headbands of the character to which this invention relates, it is necessary to provide electrical connections from the receiving apparatus to the earphones I I, and although such electrical connections may take different forms, such as series connections or parallel connections, the headband as herein shown is provided with means affording series connections for the electrical elements of the two earphones II. In accomplishing such connection, a connector cord 35 is provided, and this cord has two insulated wires or connecting leads 36 and 31 which are covered by the usual sheath to a point indicated at 38 in Fig. 2 of the drawing. Beyond the point 38, the two wires 36 and 31 are capable of separation, and-the wire 36 is extended So as to have its connector tip 39 secured in the terminal block 40' of the earphone II- mounted inftheadiacent one of the yokes I5. The other wire -31'is-of a greater length than the wire 33 and is arranged for connection with one terminalof the' connector block 40A of the other earphone I I. Thus, a part of the series connection between the two earphones I I is provided, and to complete such series circuit, an individual connecting lead 42 is extended between the other two terminals of the two terminal blocks 40 and 40A, all of the wires 36, 31, and 42 being provided with connector tips, such as the tip 39, in the conventional manner.

In accordance with the present invention, the several connecting leads are removably associated with the other parts of the headband, these leads being detachably associated with the mounting brackets I3 and with the clamping portion I2 of the headband. In attaining this result, the intermediate portions of the two leads 31 and 42 are disposed adjacent to the respective outer edges of the two spring steel bands and are enclosed within and held removably in place by the sheath as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 1. Thus, these intermediate portions of the leads 31 and 42 may be readily put in place within the sheath 25 or may be readily removed therefrom for repair or replacement.

In accordance with the present invention, the association of the various lead wires with the mounting brackets I3 is also of a detachable or releasable nature, and in the present instance, such releasable connection is afforded by spring means. Thus, a pair of spring clips 45 and 45A are provided for the respective mountingr brackets I3 on opposite sides of the headband, such spring clips being generally similar in character. but being slightly different in form and mounting in order that the relatively large connector lead 35 may lbe clamped by one of such clips. Thus. as shown in Figs. 2. 3. 4, and 5. the spring clip is formed from spring steel to define opnositely extending spring arms 46 and 41y and the arm 41 has a relatively large and generally arcuate clamping head 48 formed thereon and of such a size that `it is adapted to embrace the relatively large connector lead or cord 35. The arm 41 has a somewhat smaller arcuate clamping head 49 formed thereon of such a size as to be adapted to engage a relatively small lead such as the lead 42.y Such an engagement of the clamping heads 4B and 49 with the leads 35 and 42 is effected in the manner which is best illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawing. the arrangement being such that the lead 35 is embraced bv the clamping head 48 so as to be held against the outer face of the left-hand one of the mounting brackets I3, as shown in Fig. 1. while the lead 4 2 is held between the clamping head 49 and the same lface of the bracket I3. Such embracing relationship is attained through securing central portions of the spring clin 45 permanently on the mounting bracket I3 by means such as rivets 55. In Fig. 3 of the drawing. ,it will be observed that the mounting bracket I3 has three holes 5I formed therein for the reception of such rivets, one of these holes 5I being disposed on the vertical central line of the mounting bracket I3. while the other two holes are disposed in spaced relation upon opposite sides of the central hole 5I.

In the mounting of the bracket 45, a rivet 50 is passed through the central hole 5I of the bracket I3 and a second rivet 5D is passed through the other hole 5I which is disposed between the central hole and the clamping head 49, this arrangement being adopted in order Ato facilitate upwardfor' `outward bending of the spring arms and unclamping ofthe clamping heads' 48 and 49 when the leads are to be placed'in or'removed from the clamped relationship with respect to such clamping heads.v When the clamping heads 48 or '49 are to be moved to an unclamping' or releasing position, 'this'is accomplished by bendingthe arm of the spring clip upon which a. particular clamping head is formed. To enable this to vbe readily accomplished, the arm 41 has an opening 52 formed therein so as to extend through the arm at the juncture of the iiat portion of the arm with the rounded portion 'of the clamping head 49, and a similarly located opening 53 is formed in the arm'v 45 at the juncture of this arm with the upwardly extended portion of the clamping head 48. The openings 52 and 53 provide for convenient engagement of the arms of theelamping device by a suitable unclamping meanssuch as an unclamping tool -55 shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing. When theftool 55 is to be used, the stem I6 is removed from its position on the bracket I3, and a relatively sharp hook-like nose 56 on one end oi the tool 55 is inserted in the proper one of the openings, such as the opening 53. The unclamping tool 55 is shown in such a relationship in Fig. 5 of the drawing, and it will be observed that the tool 55 has arounded lower'surface 51 formed thereon adjacent to the hook-like end 56 so that this rounded surface 51 rests against the upper or exposed surface of the ladjacent arm 46 ofthe spring'clamp. With the tool y55 in this position, a rocking' movement in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 5l may be imparted to the tool, and this causes the arm 45 to be bent upwardly so that the clamping head 48 is withdrawn in an upward direction to'substantially the position shown in Fig. 5. -When the clamping head is in such a withdrawn or u'nclamped position, a lead wire or cord 35 may be inserted into or removed from a position beneath the clamping .head 48. Because of the location of the `rivets 50. as hereinabove described, the arm 45 has a greater eiiective length than the arm 41, and this enables the reouired degree of withdrawing movement of the clamping head 48 to be easily attained. Similar unclamping movement may be imparted to the clamping head 49 so that a wire 42 may be placed in or removed from a position beneath the clamping head 49. It will be noted in Fig. 2 of the drawing that'the clamping head 49 has a pair of indentations 58 formed therein. and while such indentations are not now considered to be essential, they'rnay be used in order to provide for efficient clamping or gripping of the wire 42 so as to prevent endwise 'movement thereof as well as transversev movemerit with respect to the mounting bracket I3.

With reference to the clamping head 48,`the desired longitudinal position of the lead wire 35 is, in the present instance, attained and maintained by cooperation of means carried on the lead wire and held in an interlocked relationship with the mounting bracket I3 through the action ofthe clamping head 48.r To this end, the

.lead wire 35 has a clamping ring 6I) securedabout its insulating covering at the end 38 thereof, and the mounting bracket I3 has a slot '6I' formed therein adiacent to the upper edge of the clamping head 45 so that one side ofthe ring Ii0`mav be extended into the slot Blas the lead 35 is put in position beneath'the clamping head 48. Thus, when the 'clamping head v48 is returned to its clamping position ci' Fig. 3, the locating' ring v60 is held in position with one ofk its-edges restrains the lead 35 against undesired longltudi. nal displacement. l

The spring-clip 45A,- whch is used on the lefthandY sideof theheadband as viewed in Fig. 1, is best shown'inFig. 8 of the drawing, and this spring clip is generally similar to the spring clip 45. The spring clip 45A, however, is utilized to clamp the wires 31 and42 which are of the same relatively small size and, hence, the spring clip 45A-has. two clamping headsofthe same size and form, such clamping heads being similar to the clampinghead 4970i the spring clip 45 and being, identified as clamping heads 49A and 48B. These clamping heads 49A and 49B may be operated in the same manner asthe clamping head 49 ,of the spring clip y45 and in order that the clamping action of the two heads 49A and 49B maybefuniform, the spring clip 45A is secured in place by rivetsOA'which are extended through thetwo outer. :holes I of the mounting bracket, as shownvin Fig. 3.v i

1 Asjvhereinbefore. pointed out, the mounting stems I6 are mounted upon the respective mounting brackets I3 for limited longitudinal and rotative adjusting movement, and such mounting is attained underthe present invention in such a manner that the apparatus may be economically constructed and /maintained in repair. Thus,- -as will be evident in Fig. 4 of the drawing, each mounting bracket has a pair of mounting ears 65 formed thereon atthe upper and lower edges respectively of the'mounting plate, such ears 65 being; disposed midway between the front and rear edges, of the-mounting plate, as will be evident in Fig. 2 yof the drawing. Such mounting ears vB''haveV aligned bearing openings- 66 formed therein, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawing,- and the stem I6 which is to be mounted on aparticular bracket I3 is inserted in an upward. sendwise direction through the aligned openings 66. After a stem I6 has been thus inserted through the bearing openings 66 of a bi'acket I3, a retaining screw E1 is extended through afwasher 68 and is threaded axially into the vupper-vend of the stem'so as to prevent downward withdrawing movement of the stem with respect'to the ears 65. In`headbands of the character to whichthis invention relates, it is desirable that the mounting clips or structures I4, of which-the stems I6 form a part, be capable of limited longitudinal and rotative adjustment so as to enable the'earphones II carried by such mounting clips to be adjusted tov-the configuration -of the head of the user.- In accordance with the presentinvention, this desired adjusting movement is afforded by means of a rugged character which are capable of economical production; and as herein shown, each mounting stem 'I6 and the opening 66 in which it is mountedV are g provided with cooperating non-circular surfaces which allowendwise sliding movement of the'stem `but which limit rocking movement of `the stem with relation to the mounting ears 65. Thus,as shown inFlgs. 5 and 6, the openings 66 yare generally D-shaped in form so as to afford 1a generally circular bearing surface of a considerable extent which merges with a flat surface *'IIl located parallel to the outer face of the bracket I3 Aand on the side of the' opening 66 which`is adjacent to the mounting bracket I3. 'The mounting stem I5 is made from a circular rod having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the circular portion of the opening 66, and the rod has a dat surface 'II interlocked with the slot 5I and this efiectually formed thereon so as to extend from the upper` end yof the stem I6 downwardly throughout substantially the entire length of the straight portion of the stem. The flat surface 'II terminatesv at its lower end in a shoulder 12, Fig. 1, which serves to limit upward movement of the stem with relation to the mounting bracket, it being observed that -downward movement of the stem is'limited by the extending abutment afforded by the extended edge of the washer 68. .It will be observed that the surface 1I of the stem I6V is so formed that it is closer to the central axis of the stem than the flat surface 'I0 of the mounting opening 66, and hence the stem 66 may be rocked through a limited `movement in the mounting openings 66, as shown in Fig. 6 of thedrawing. Such rocking movement is limited by engagement of one end of the surface 'II of the stem I6 with the corresponding end `of the surface 'I0 of the mounting opening 6E. Thus, the mounting clip or structure I4 may be rocked through a limited rotative adjusting movement and may be moved in a vertical direction by 1ongitudinal adjusting movement of the stem I6.

In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for maintaining the mounting clips in substantially the desired adjusted position in which they may be set by the user, and in accomplishing this action,.the present invention provides for the application of a continuous spring pressure upon each mounting stern I5 to thereby frictionally retain the mounting stem in its adjusted position. Such frictional retaining force is in the present instance applied to the mounting stem by spring -means formed as a part of the spring clip 45 or 45A, and for this purpose, the spring cliphas a springarm 15 formedV thereon so as to extend upwardly, as viewed in Figs. 2 and 4, from thepjuncture of the arms 46 and 41 of the spring clip. The spring arm 15 is arched upwardly as shown in Fig. 4 so that itwill bear against the surface II of the stem I6. This formation causes the spring arm 'I5 to press the arcuate or circular surfaceof the stem I6 outwardly against the similar arcuate surface ofthe mounting openings 66, and hence the frictional action between these surfaces Vand between the spring Varm 'I5 and the stem serves to hold the stem in the desired adjusted position with respect to the mounting bracket upon which it is supported. It will be observed that the arched formation of the spring arm 'I5 simplifies the insertion of the stem I6 intovposition in the bearing openings 66, for as the upper end of the stem I6 is inserted through .the lower vmounting ear S5, it may be forced along the rounded surface of the arm I5 and may be rocked as a lever about the opening 66 in the lower ear to compress or bend the spring armV 'I5 and align the upper end of the stem with the upper bearing opening 66. Hence, the stem I6 may be readily removed and replaced as required in the eld, thereby to facilitate repair or replacement of the parts andenable the clamping heads as 48 or 49 of the. spring clips to be readily manipulated when the lead Wires are to be repaired or replaced. -1

VFrom the foregoing description, it will be ap.- parent that the present invention materially simpliiies the structure and the manufacture of headbands, and enables headbands to be economically manufactured in such a manner that such headbands maybe readily reconditioned and repaired in the field. In accordance with the present invention, therefore, the headbands may be readas fall within the purview of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a headband, an elongated resilient `clamping portion adapted toI extend Aacross the top 'of the head of a .user and downwardly valong and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides'cf vthe head o f a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting ears on each of said mounting brackets and extended outwardly tlierefrou1 spaced rela# tion to each other, therespeotive pairs yof mount.- ing ears having aligned noncircular mounting openings therein, a pair of mounting stems ex tended respectively through the aligned openings of the mounting ears on opposite mounting brackets, means o n the lower .end of eachof said stems for engaging and supporting an earphcne or the like, leach mounting stern having at least one surface extended longitudinally thereof for engagement with non-circular surfaces of the openings in said ears to limit rotative movement of said stems relative to said mounting ears, a retaining spring clip secured toy each of said mounting brackets and having a spring arm en,.- gaged with the adjacent stem tc frictionally retard longitudinal movement o f said stem relative to its mounting bracket, removable means on the upper end of each stem to prevent longitudinal withdrawal of said stems downwardly and out of said openings .in said mounting ears, oonneet-ing leads extended along said clamping portion and over the outer faces of said brackets at opposite ends of said Clamping portiony ,Ineens on said spring slips vieldinglv engaging said oonneotine leads and clamping the same removably to said mounting brackets, a protective sheath surrounding said clamping portion and said leads throughs out substantially the entire distanoe between seid mounting bracketsy and releasable means for holding said sheath in such relation.

V2. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said ,Clamping portion, a Pair of mounting stems, means supporting said mountioe stems one on eaoh of said mounting loraekets for limited .longitudinal and rotative movement with respect thereto, means o n the lower end of each of said stems for engaging `and supporting an earphone or the like, a retaining spring .olip Secured t0 @59h ,Of Said mounting b rfleld all@ having a spring arm engaged with the adjacent stem to frictionally retard longitudinal movement of said stem relative to its mounting bracket, connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over the outer races of said brackets at opposite ends of said clamping portion, means on said spring clips yieldingly engaging said connecting leadsfand clamping "the same removably vto said mounting brackets, a protective sheath surrounding said'clamping portion vand said leads throughout substantially the entire distance between said mounting brackets, and releasolole 'means for `holding said sheath in Sllch relation. .3. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamp: ing portion adopted toexte'nd across the top of the head .of a user and downwardly along and sin spaced and clamping relation to the sidesof the head of euser, mounting brackets secured ,to lonposite .ends vof .sold olornolug portion, a pair of 'mounting sterne, means supporting said .moonling stoms or1 the reseeotive brackets for rotativo ,and longitudinal adjusting movement relative thereto, ineens on the -lovver end of eeen oisaid Steins ior engaging v.and supporting .an earphone or .the like o retaining spring elip secured to eaoh oi said mounting brackets and having a so Iarm engaged with the .adlaeeni .stern to., ,of tionally' retard longitudinal movement olf said stern relative c.to 'its 'mounting broeket. sonneri- .ing leads extended along .said damning Portion and .over the fases of seid lorookeis .at opposite ends of said clamping portion ineens ,sold spring ellos vieldiuglv" engaging seid oouneolios leadsfand clamping the same removably `to said mounting loreokets, and o sheath surrounding said clamping portion and said leads throughout substantially -t'he entire distance between" `said mounting brackets, and releasable means for holding said sheath in such-relation. 4, In a headband, an elongated resilient clamp- Ving portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along an'd in spaced and clamping `relation to the sides ofthe head yof a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clampingportion, a pair of mounting stems, means supporting said mounting stems on the respective brackets -for longitudinal and rotative adjustment relative ythereto, v means on the lower end of each of said stems -for engaging and supporting an earphone or -thelike connecting leads 'extended along said clamping por-tion vand over the'iaces of- `said bracketsat opposite ends of said clamping portion, spring clips on Athe respective bracketsyieldingly engage ing said connecting leads and clamping the same removably to said mounting brackets, andmeans detachably securing said leads to said clamping portion at one or more points between said mounting brackets. Y

'5,- -In a headband, an'elongated resilient clamping portion adapted'to extend across the ,top of the head of a user andvdownwardly along and in spaced clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets securedtoV opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting ears on each of saidY mounting brackets and extended outwardly therefrom iri spaced relation to each other, the respective pairs of mounting ears having aligned mounting openings thereinof generally circular form therein, atleast one offsaid mounting openings of each pai-rvhavingV a ilat side related as a chord tothe circular portions of such openingfa pair of mounting stemsY of generally cylindrical cross section extended respectively through the aligned openings of the mounting ears o n opposite mounting brackets, each mounting stem'havin'g a fiat surface'thereonextended longitudinallythereof and yarranged s o that the edges of said surface engage tlieat side df the mounting opening in the'course of rocking movement of 4said stems to thereby Aliniitsuch'V rocking movement, means on the ylowerend*of* each-f said stems for engaging A and supporting anarphone or the ylike,'a retaining spring clip secured to eeen of solo Amounting fbroolsetsond having serine erm @neogeo vvriililiiie Iodiaoeuttste.. t

frictionally retard longitudinal movement of said A 'stem relative to its mounting bracket, and removable means on the upper end of each stem to prevent longitudinal withdrawal of said st ems downwardly and out of said openings in said mounting ears.

6. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced clamping relation to thefsides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting ears on each of said mounting brackets and extended outwardly therefrom in spaced relation to each other, the respective pairs of mounting ears having aligned mounting openings therein of generally circular form therein, at least one of said mounting openings of each pair having a nat side related as a chord to the circular portions of such opening, a pair of mounting stems of generally cylindrical cross section extended respectively through the aligned openings of the mounting ears on opposite mounting brackets, each mounting stem having a ilat surface thereon extended longitudinally thereof and being of a width less than the width Vof said flat side of said opening so that selective `engagement of the edges of said nat surface of a` stem with thenat side of the mounting opening( in which it is mounted serves to limit rocking movement of said stems, means on the lower, end of each of said stems for engaging andsupporting an earphone or the like, and means on each of saidmounting brackets engaged with the vadjacent stem to frictionally retard longitudinal movement of said stem relative to its mounting bracket.

7. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamp,- lng portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced clamping relation to the sides of the head of, a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting ears on eachv of said mounting brackets and extended outwardly therefrom spaced relation to veach other, lthe respective pairs of mounting ears having aligned mounting openings therein of generally circular form therein, at least lone of said mounting openings o f each pair having a flat side related as a chord to the circular portions of `such opening, a pair of mounting stems of generally cylindrical cross section extended respectively through the aligned openings of the mounting ears on opposite mounting brackets, each mounting stem having a at surface thereon extended -longitudinally thereof and beingof a width less thanA the width of said dat side ofsaid opening so that selective engagement of the edges of said flat surface of a stem with the flat side of the mounting opening in which it is mounted serves to limit rocking movement of said stems, and means on the lower end of each of said stems for engaging and supporting an earphone or the like.'

8. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced clamping relation to the sides of the head of the user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting ears on each of said mounting brackets and extended outwardly therefrom in spaced relation to each other, the respective pairs of mounting ears having aligned non-circular mounting openings therein, a pair of mounting stems extended respectively through the aligned openings of the 'mounting Vears on opposite mounting brackets,

means on the lower end of each of said stems for engaging and supporting an earphone or the like, each mounting stem having at least one surface extended longitudinally thereof for rotative movement relative to and forabutting engagement with the non-circular surfaces of the openings in said ears so that such engagement serves to limit rotative movement of said stems relative to said mounting ears, and a retaining spring ,clip secured to each of said mounting brackets and having a spring arm engaged with the adjacent stem to frictionally retard longitudinal movement of said stem relative to its mounting bracket.

9. In a headband,'an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted Ato extend across. the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to'op posite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting stems, means supporting said stems on the respective brackets for rotative and longitudina1 adjusting movement relative thereto,

means on the lower end of each of said stems for engaging and supporting an earphone or the like, connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over the faces of said brackets at opposite ends of said clamping portion, means detachably securing said leads to said clamping por# tion at at least several points between said mounting brackets, and releasable means for holding said leads in position with respect to said brackets and comprising spring retaining means secured on each bracket and affording spring clamping arms adapted to engage such leads and clamp the same on such brackets, and means on suchspring arms adapted for engagement to bend such spring arms to unclamped positions for mounting or removal of such leads.

10. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of auser, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting stems, means supporting said stems on the respective brackets for rotative and longitudinal adjusting movement relative thereto, means on the lower end of each ofsaid stems for engaging and supporting an earphone or the like, connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over the faces of said brackets at opposite ends of said clamping portion, means detachably securing said leads to said clamping portion at at least several points between said o mounting brackets, and releasable means for holding said leads in position with respect -to said brackets and comprising spring retaining means secured on each bracket and affording spring clamping arms adaptedV to engage such leads and clamp the same on such brackets, said spring arms having openings therein `near the ends thereof and adapted for engagement to bend such springV arms to unclamped positions for mounting or removal of such leads.

11. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to Athe sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting stems, means supporting said stems on the respective brackets for rotative and longitudinal adjusting movement relative thereto, means on the lower end of each of said stems for engagingpand supporting an earphoneor the. like,

connectingleads `extended along said .clamping ing stems on .said brackets #for rotative and lon,`

gitudinal adjusting movement relative thereto, means on the lower end of each of said stems for engaging and supporting an earphone. or the like, connecting leads extending along said clamping portion and over the faces of said brackets at opposite ends of said clamping portion, a generally T-shaped retaining spring secured to each mounting bracket, each retaining spring having one arm engaged frictionally with the adjacent stem to retard movement of such stem, and each retaining spring having its other two arms yieldingly engaging said connecting leads and clamping the same removably to the respective mounting brackets, a sheath surrounding said clamping portion and said leads throughout substantially the entire distance between said mounting brackets, and releasable means forholding said sheath in such relation.

13. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting stems, means supporting said mountting stems on said brackets for rotative and longitudinal adjusting movement relative thereto, means on the lower end of each f said stems for engaging and supporting an earphone or the like, connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over the faces of said brackets at opposite ends of said clamping portion, a generally T-shaped retaining spring secured to each mounting bracket and each retaining spring having one arm engaged frictionally with the adjacent stem to retard movement of such stem,

Iand each retaining spring having its other two arms yieldingly engaging said connecting leads and clamping the same removably to the respective mounting brackets, and means releasably securing said leads to said clamping portion throughout substantially the entire distance between said mounting brackets.

14.' In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting stems, means supporting said mounting stems on said brackets for rotative and longitudinal adjusting movement relative thereto, means on the lower end of each of said stems for engaging and supporting an earphone or the like, connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over the faces of said bracketsI at opposite ends of said clamping portion, a generally T-shaped retaining spring secured to each mounting 'ln'.acket,- :each retainngppring having lone arm engagedefriotionallyxzwith theiadiaeent stem to retard movementof suchzstem, and each f retaining snoringy having its-othentwo arms. yield.- inglp-engaging said-connecting leadslandclamping :the ,sameremova-blytofthefrespective mounting brackets;

15 Ina headband, anfelongated `resiliam; clamping portion VAadapt-ed Vto extendv across; .the top .10i the headofa user and downwardly along and in spaced clamping relation :to-the sides of the. head of anser, :mounting brackets secured to opposite. .endsof said clamping portion,ia pair of mounting ears on each of said mounting .bracks ets. and @extended-outwardly therefromY inyspaced .relation ato. eaehgothehA the respectiveftpairs.- of mounting: ears" having:A aligned i non-circular mounting :openings therein.. a pair of.4 mounting stems extended respectively through the aligned openings of the mounting ears on opposite mounting brackets, means on the lower end of each 'of said stems for engaging and supporting an earphone or the like, each mounting stem having at least one at surface extended longi` tudinally thereof and being of a width less than the width of said at side of said opening so that selective engagement of the edges of said flat surface of a stem with the non-circular surfaces of the openings in said ears serves to limit rotative movement of said stems relative to said mounting ears, a retaining spring clip secured to each of said mounting brackets and having a spring arm engaged with the adjacent stem to frictionally retard longitudinal movement of said stem relative to its mounting bracket, and removable means on the upper end of each stem to prevent longitudinal withdrawal of said stems downwardly and out of said openings in said ears.

16. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting stems, mounting means supporting and guiding said mounting stems respectively on opposite ends of said clamping portion for longitudinal and rotative adjusting movement, connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over said mounting means at opposite ends of said clamping portion, and means for detachably securing said leads in association with said clamping portion and said mounting means.

17. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of said clamping portion, a pair of mounting stems, means supporting and guiding said mounting stems respectively on said mounting brackets for limited longitudinal and rotative adjusting movement, means for retaining said stems `in adjusted relation to said brackets, connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over the outer faces of said brackets at opposite ends of said clamping portion, and means for detachably securing said leads in association with said clamping portion and said mounting brackets.

18. In a headband, an elongated resilient clamping portion adapted to extend across the y top of the head of a user and downwardly along and in spaced and clamping relation to the sides of the head of a user, mounting brackets secured mounting brackets lfor limited'longitudinal and rotative adjusting movement, means for retaining said stems in'adjust'ed relation to said brackets, circuit means including a connector cord extended to one Yof said brackets and connecting leads extended along said clamping portion and over .the outer faces of saidbrackets at opposite ends of said clamping portion, a clamping ring secured about saidcord at a point where; said cord is adjacent `said one; bracket, abutment meansformed on said one `bracket for engagement with said ring to prevent longitudinal displacement of the cord relative to said one bracket, means for detachably securing said leads in association with said clamping portion, and means v'azionaria for holding said leads and said cord in association with said brackets with said ring interlooked with said abutment means.

19. In a sheath for enclosing the head-embracing -clampir'ig portion of a headset, an elongated irmer protective pad member adapted to be disposed against the inner surface of such a clamping portion,` a liner member-secured on the outer face of said pad member, edge aps disposed along and secured to the bordering side edges of said inner pad member and said liner member and adapted to be folded into overlyingV relation to at least a portion of the outer surface of said liner member, and snap fasteners having the cooperating elements secured respectively to said edge ilaps and to said liner member outside and independently of said inner pad member.

WEBSTER E; GILMAN. 

